The Old Man Under the Tree

Mu En walked at the very front. The boy in black robes looked only twelve, yet the fluctuations of his Soul Power were actually at the Four-Ring Soul Ancestor level.

Back when Mu En had been that age, he had only been a three-ring Soul Elder. He couldn't help sighing to himself.

The boy looked at him with a calm, clear gaze that seemed to see through the ages, as though none of Mu En's disguises could escape his notice.

What startled Mu En even more was that the instant his Martial Soul, the Radiant Sacred Dragon, saw the boy, it felt an extreme awe and submission rise from the depths of its soul, as though the mark in its bloodline had encountered its supreme progenitor.

The silver-haired girl beside him looked cool and otherworldly. Her Soul Power fluctuations were also at the Four-Ring level, and Mu En could sense an immense, boundless vitality within her.

It was a law of creation that transcended all living beings. Even the faintest trace of it made his mind tremble.

Then there was the golden-haired girl. She was charming and lively, and didn't seem particularly special, but Mu En could feel an extreme fortune surrounding her. It was a unique auspicious aura found nowhere else between heaven and earth.

Just standing beside her made the spiritual energy around them feel more active. Even the old hidden injuries he'd carried for years seemed to ease ever so slightly.

The last boy, with black hair, was the youngest at only ten. His Soul Power was already above level twenty. But what was frightening was his spiritual power, which was so vast it defied imagination. His Mental Attribute was so extreme that even Mu En couldn't help admiring him.

More importantly, Mu En could sense a strange bond woven into the boy's thread of fate.

Every one of the four children was a peerless talent, each unfathomable in their own way. Even in his nearly two hundred years of life, Mu En had never encountered such extraordinary boys and girls.

Mu En's gaze finally settled on Gu Yuan. A deep curiosity and wariness flashed in his eyes. He was certain that this boy was the core of the group, and the one he found hardest to see through.

Gu Yuan had noticed Mu En under the tree long ago, too.

In his memories of the future, he had held this Dragon God Douluo in the highest regard. Mu En had lived with honor and integrity, devoting himself tirelessly to Shrek Academy and keeping the world in his heart. Even in a position of power, he had always stayed true to himself. He was truly an elder worthy of respect.

Even though he and Tang San had stood on opposite sides, Gu Yuan had felt nothing but admiration for this man, who could be considered an enemy.

"Yuhao, come with me to say hello." Gu Yuan turned toward Huo Yuhao beside him and spoke softly.

Huo Yuhao blinked, then followed his gaze to the old man under the tree. "Brother Yuan, who's that old grandpa?"

The old man seemed ordinary, but Huo Yuhao could sense an indescribable weight about him, like a deep, unfathomable mountain.

"A senior worthy of respect." Gu Yuan smiled and walked toward the Huangjue Tree with Huo Yuhao.

Gu Yuena held Jin Ruiqiu's hand and followed quietly behind them, not stepping forward to interrupt.

Mu En watched the two boys approach. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, but he soon returned to his languid pose, half-closing his eyes again as though he were merely an ordinary old man soaking up the sun.

When they reached the wicker chair, Gu Yuan bowed slightly to Mu En and greeted him in a warm, respectful voice. "Greetings, Senior."

Huo Yuhao quickly bowed along with him and gave a proper greeting. "This junior is Huo Yuhao. Greetings, Senior."

Mu En slowly opened his eyes and looked at the two boys before him. A smile flickered in his cloudy eyes as he waved a hand. His voice was hoarse and aged. "You two little fellows needn't be so polite. I'm just an old man watching the gate. I don't deserve such a formal greeting."

"Senior, you jest." Gu Yuan straightened and smiled. "Everyone in the academy is a teacher or elder. What's more, you've lived with honor and integrity, devoting yourself tirelessly to the academy and the Soul Master World. I admire you, so it's only right that I bow."

At those words, Mu En's pupils contracted slightly, and his gaze sharpened at once.

He had disguised himself as an ordinary old man and stayed here. Apart from the core members of the Sea God Pavilion, hardly anyone in the entire academy knew his true identity.

Yet this twelve-year-old boy had not only seen through him at a glance, but spoke as if he knew his entire life story.

"Young fellow, you certainly know a lot." Mu En's voice remained hoarse, but now it carried a hint of scrutiny.

"Who are you? Where did you come from?"

"This junior comes from Douluo Hall. I've brought my companions to study at Shrek Academy." Gu Yuan answered frankly, without hiding anything.

"I've long heard that Shrek Academy is full of hidden talents. Seeing you today, Senior, I can tell the rumors are true."

"Douluo Hall..." Mu En murmured, understanding dawning in his eyes.

No wonder these children were so extraordinary. So they came from there.

The more Mu En looked at Gu Yuan, the more unsettled he became. The boy was only twelve, yet carried himself with the composure of some ancient monster who had lived for thousands of years. Even Mu En couldn't see through the clarity and depth in his eyes.

More importantly, Mu En could tell that the boy truly harbored no ill will toward him, only pure admiration. That dispelled much of his wariness.

"The young men from Douluo Hall are indeed remarkable." Mu En smiled, then turned his gaze to Huo Yuhao beside him.

Seeing the clarity in his eyes, Mu En grew more and more pleased. "This little fellow has a Spirit Eye Martial Soul, an extreme Mental Attribute, and already has level 23 Soul Power at such a young age. He's a fine prospect."

Praised by the senior, Huo Yuhao blushed. He quickly scratched his head and said, a little embarrassed, "You flatter me, Senior. I still have a lot to learn."

"Humility is a good thing, but don't let it make you lose your edge." Mu En smiled and waved a hand, offering him encouragement.

"Shrek Academy is a cradle of genius and a battlefield for the brave. The continent of the future belongs to you young people."

"Thank you, Senior! I'll work hard!" Huo Yuhao immediately straightened his back and answered earnestly, his heart full of excitement.

He could tell that the senior meant every word. It was like a kind elder offering advice to a younger member of his own family.

Watching them, Gu Yuan smiled faintly. He knew Mu En had taken an interest in Huo Yuhao. Even without the original course of events, this Dragon God Douluo still felt fondness for the boy.

After chatting with Mu En for a few more moments, Gu Yuan stood and took Huo Yuhao with him to say goodbye, without imposing on him for long.

After all, Mu En was advanced in years and usually preferred peace and quiet.

Just before they left, Mu En looked at Gu Yuan's back and suddenly called out, "Young fellow."

Gu Yuan stopped and turned around, looking at him in confusion.

Mu En gazed at him, a hint of meaning flashing in his cloudy eyes, and slowly said, "Shrek Academy welcomes all geniuses. But remember, this place will never tolerate anyone with ulterior motives."

Gu Yuan smiled faintly and nodded. "Rest assured, Senior. I understand. We came here only to study, with no other intentions."

With that, he turned and rejoined Gu Yuena and Jin Ruiqiu with Huo Yuhao.

The student guiding them had been waiting anxiously for quite some time. How could he not know that the old man under the tree was the academy's bedrock, Pavilion Master Mu En?

Seeing Gu Yuan converse so easily with the Pavilion Master, he regarded the four of them with even greater respect.

"I'll take you to see your dormitories," the student said hurriedly and respectfully, leading the four into the core dormitory area.

The core dormitory area consisted of a series of elegant detached courtyards. White walls and dark tiles were nestled among green trees and blooming flowers, and each courtyard stood well apart from the others, ensuring complete privacy and quiet.

"These are the dormitories the academy has arranged for you." The student pointed to the four neighboring courtyards before them and smiled.

"Each courtyard is independent and fully furnished. The cultivation rooms even have spirit-gathering arrays to increase cultivation speed. What do you think?"

Huo Yuhao's eyes lit up at the sight of the elegant courtyards. He had only ever lived in the most remote woodsheds. He had never stayed anywhere so nice.

Jin Ruiqiu bounced straight into one of the courtyards and happily swung on the swing there.

Gu Yuan studied the four courtyards for a moment, then asked the student, "Sorry for the trouble, but could you make an adjustment? There are four of us, and two to a courtyard would be enough. We don't need this many."

The student blinked, then quickly replied, "Of course! You can arrange things however you like, honored guests! The dormitories in the core area can be freely rearranged."

He was even more surprised. Other students would fight tooth and nail for a detached courtyard, yet these four wanted to share. But he didn't dare ask questions, and simply took out the dormitory keys, waiting for them to decide.

Gu Yuan turned to the others and smiled. "If we share, we can look out for each other. We can also discuss any problems we run into with our cultivation."

That was what Gu Yuan said aloud, but he was actually worried that Shrek might send people to test Jin Ruiqiu and Huo Yuhao if the four of them lived separately. Even if they wanted to try anything, they wouldn't be able to with him and Gu Yuena right there.

Gu Yuena gave a slight nod, her voice free of objection. "All right."

She and Gu Yuan had reached the same conclusion. Besides, with lively Jin Ruiqiu around, even a dull routine would become more interesting.

Jin Ruiqiu bounced up and down and said happily, "I want to live with Sister Yue!"

Huo Yuhao quickly nodded, his face full of delight.

The four soon settled on their arrangements. Gu Yuan and Huo Yuhao would stay in the eastern courtyard, while Gu Yuena and Jin Ruiqiu would stay in the neighboring courtyard to the west.

The student hurriedly handed each of them the appropriate keys, carefully explained the rules of the dormitory area, and went over the new students' start date and other important details before respectfully taking his leave.

The sun sank completely, and night gradually settled over Shrek Academy.

The courtyard shared by Gu Yuan and Huo Yuhao was brightly lit. Huo Yuhao excitedly wandered around, gazing at the spacious cultivation room, his eyes shining like stars.

"I never thought I'd get to live in such a nice place, or go to school at Shrek Academy." Huo Yuhao turned to Gu Yuan, his eyes filled with gratitude.

Gu Yuan smiled and ruffled his hair. "You made it this far by your own efforts. If you weren't so resilient, no matter how many opportunities you had, you wouldn't have made it here. There's still a long road ahead. How far you go will depend entirely on you."

Huo Yuhao nodded firmly and clenched his fists, his eyes unwavering. "Don't worry, Brother Yuan! I won't let you down. I'll work hard at my cultivation and become stronger!"

Gu Yuan looked at the light in his eyes and nodded with satisfaction.

It was a good thing Huo Yuhao had that resolve. The stronger Huo Yuhao became, the greater his role would be in the plans for the future.

Gu Yuan walked to the window and looked out into the night. His gaze passed through layer upon layer of buildings, coming to rest on a freshman dormitory in the outer courtyard.

Inside, a boy with short pink hair and delicate features was unpacking his luggage. Looking at the dusty room and the empty bed opposite his, he furrowed his brows in confusion.

She was Tang San's daughter, Wang Dong, disguised as a boy. She should have met the person destined to be bound to her for life today.

But now, because of Gu Yuan's interference, the course of fate had veered completely off track.

Huo Yuhao hadn't moved into his original freshman dormitory, and he hadn't met Wang Dong. The threads of fate that should have intertwined had now taken entirely different paths.

A faint smile curved Gu Yuan's lips.